What do condoms, beach days, and Jedis have in common? These are all things real job candidates have brought up during the hiring process.

Applicants say and do some really dumb things that rule them out during the hiring process. If they realized where they went wrong, they’d be kicking themselves.

Here are 10 dumb things real candidates have said and done during the hiring process:

1. Pointless Objectives

As the job search has evolved, it has become less necessary to include an objective statement on your resume. Advice online can be conflicting on this matter, but if you’re going to go with an objective at all, do it right.

One recent candidate’s objective was “To secure a position within your company.” Obviously, if you’re submitting a resume, you want a position within my company.

An objective statement should be specific to the job you are applying for — more of a professional profile focused on the company’s needs and how you can fulfill them.

2. Spell My Name Wrong

I’ve been called a lot of things, but “Heather Schuman” isn’t one of them! It is amazing how often candidates spell my name wrong in their cover letters. All you need to do is copy and paste from the job description to avoid this fatal typo. Always proofread before hitting “send.”

3. Silly Salutations

Another thing about salutations: a simple “Dear Ms. Huhman” will suffice. One candidate recently addressed their cover letter, “Dear President Heather Huhman.” Although I do like the sound of it, this is not the proper way to address me — or any hiring manager.

4. Photos On The Beach

Once, an intern applicant included a picture of herself posing on the beach in her cover letter. Not only was this strange to begin with, but also there was a random guy in the background.

A photo should never be included in your cover letter (unless you’re applying for a modeling position or something similar), let alone one of you on the beach!

5. Unfinished Sentences

On a few occasions, applicants will submit incomplete cover letters. For example, someone said, “Currently I’m looking for an opportunity that will allow me to grow as a writer in preparing me for…” Yes, it literally just stops. Preparing you for what? I’m on the edge of my seat!

Another candidate’s entire cover letter consisted of two sentences: “I am interested in the position you are offering. Please review the attached resume, which highlights my skills and accomplishments that will enable me to contribute to your team.” That’s it.

If you want to impress a potential employer, write full sentences and provide stories explaining how you’ll be beneficial to the company in this particular role.

6. Meaningless Filler

Sometimes the things candidates write are simply meaningless. For instance, one candidate wrote, “I am smart and talented fresh graduate.” What does that even mean? Your cover letter should be clear and specific.

Another candidate said, “My career vision has always been to have a job with a magazine company or a PR (Public Relations) and marketing firm.” First, when applying for a PR job, it is completely unnecessary to explain what PR stands for. Second, don’t say you want to work for a magazine if you’re applying for a firm. Companies want to know about your specific interest in them.

7. Sentences Keep Going And Going And Going

Then, of course, there’s the comma-lover who writes run-on sentences. This candidate wrote: “Hello, having two years experience as a news staff writer at my university’s radio station, accumulating a total 3.0 Major GPA while a Broadcast Journalism major and developed journalistic experience, I contact you today to apply for the Editorial Intern position at your esteemed [insert name of a magazine — one that’s not my company — here].”

There are so many things wrong with this sentence. Beyond the fact that it’s too long, it gets the name of the position and my company wrong. Clearly, this applicant didn’t read the job description. Next!

8. Typos Galore

The worst thing you can do in a cover letter is get the information completely wrong. An applicant wrote, “I am interested in the internship because I find the services that the foundation offers are interesting and exciting.” What foundation? My company is not a foundation. Do your research to avoid getting the details wrong.

Another person said, “A fresh, hard working individual, who has had previous experience in the public relations field, is just the person [not my company] needs when hiring an intern.” This one was such a shame too, because the rest of their letter was really creative. But if you can’t be bothered to proofread, you are automatically ruled out.

9. May The Force Be With You?

Once in a one-way video interview, an applicant wore a Jedi robe (as in Star Wars, for the uninitiated). During the entire interview, the candidate made no reference to the costume at all. There was no explanation.

Video interviews are just like in-person interviews. Always dress professionally. If you’re going to get creative, at least explain why.

10. Looking For Condoms

At the end of an interview with an out-of-state candidate, we asked when the candidate planned to permanently relocate to our area. She responded, “I’m looking for condoms now.” She immediately noticed her mistake, as evidenced by the whiteish-green shade her face turned. Clearly, she meant to say “condos.” I thought she was either going to throw up or pass out! She never corrected herself and instead just pretended it never happened.

When it comes to interviews, choose your words very carefully.

Whether candidates slip up in their resumes, cover letters, or interviews, any error can be detrimental to your chances of landing the job. Half of these issues could have been solved with a little research, proofreading, or simple preparation. Don’t be the applicant who gets removed from the pool for saying or doing something dumb.

AMG/Parade Digital

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